Despite ownership reassuring Vincent Lecavalier's agent, Kent Hughes, that the team will not trade its captain, reports claim that the Lightning is exploring that possibility.
During last night's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast on CBC, the panel of Ron MacLean, Al Strachan (The Score), Pierre Leburn (ESPN) and former Islanders GM Mike Milbury discussed the prospect of Lecavalier being moved this season.
Lecavalier, who signed an 11-year, $86.5 million contract extension in the summer, has a no-trade clause that kicks in July 1. The team could still move the superstar center without the need of the player's approval.
It was originally thought that Lecavalier could be dealt if the team's financial situation became a serious concern. However, the St. Petersburg Times reports co-owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie successfully restructured some terms of the $70 million financing agreement given by Palace Sports & Entertainment, the previous ownership group.
"From our perspective," NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told the Times in an e-mail, "we are comfortable the Lightning's financial obligations are being satisfied and will continue to be satisfied going forward."
That being said, Strachan claims the Lightning is "exploring" the possibility of trading Lecavalier, rather than actively shopping him.
Meanwhile, according to the New York Post, if the Lightning do not trade Lecavalier, it's only a matter of time before try ask winger Martin St. Louis to waive the no-trade clause.
It's already been reported that the Bolts might try to move St. Louis later in the season, with the Pittsburgh Penguins expected to have interest.
St. Louis' contract runs through 2010-11 at an annual $5.25 million cap hit.
